Wearable Thermal Regulator

ABSTRACT

A wearable thermal regulator. The wearable thermal regulator includes a housing having an interface operably connected to a thermoelectric assembly, wherein the interface is configured to receive inputs to control the thermoelectric assembly. The housing of the thermoelectric assembly includes a first side and an opposing second side, wherein heat is transferred therebetween. A bladder in thermal communication with at least the first side or the second side is configured to contact a body part. The bladder includes a gel material that is configured to assist with the efficient transfer of heat between the body and the thermoelectric assembly. A band affixed to the housing is configured to wrap around a body part and be secured with a fastener. In one use, the wearable thermal regulator is secured to a neck of a user, and the thermoelectric assembly cools the user via the Peltier effect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wearable thermal regulators. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermal regulator configured to add or remove heat from a body of a wearer. The thermal regulator includes a thermal electric assembly wherein heat is transferred from a first side of the device to a second side of the device. Electrical energy is used to regulate the precise amount of heat transfer, and controls enables users to select between heating and cooling, as well as heat transfer rates.

Many individuals spend time outdoors to work and for leisure throughout the year. In order to maintain homeostasis, the body's core temperature is maintained within a range of a couple of degrees of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if an individual performs strenuous activity, especially in extreme temperatures, it is difficult for the body to control their body temperature and maintain homeostasis. For example, if a worker is performing manual labor in hot temperatures, sweating and respiration may be insufficient to adequately regulate their body temperature, which can lead to heat strokes and other heat related illnesses.

In some places, temperatures have been known to fluctuate between extreme heat and cold overnight. In the cold temperatures for example, the extremities of the body, such as the hands and feet, are susceptible to hyperthermia. Thus, there is a need for a device that is capable of providing sufficient rates of both heating and cooling.

Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to wearable devices for heating or cooling a body. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. However, these devices in the known art have several known drawbacks. For example, conventional thermal devices used in active thermo-regulated apparel include resistive heaters for heating and compressive coolers for cooling. However, this apparel fails to effectively transfer heat between the thermal element and the body. Further, to achieve adequate heat transfer, the thermal element must generally be placed on an exterior portion of the apparel, which may be unattractive, cumbersome, and unsuitable for active use. Achieving sufficient heat dissipation rates and transfer rates without a more suitable thermal conductive means may not be feasible.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing wearable thermal regulator devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of heating and cooling devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new wearable thermal regulator wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when worn to provide heating or cooling to their body.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved thermal regulator that provides heating or cooling to the body of a user when worn. The wearable thermal regulator comprises an interface operably connected to a thermoelectric assembly, wherein the interface is configured to receive inputs to control the thermoelectric assembly. The housing of the thermoelectric assembly includes a first side and an opposing second side, wherein heat is transferred therebetween. A bladder is configured to contact a body part, the bladder configured to transfer heat therebetween, wherein the bladder is in thermal communication with at least the first side or the second side.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a thermoelectric assembly that provides sufficient rates of both heating and cooling.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable thermal regulator having a heat sink for dissipating heat from the second side of the thermoelectric assembly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable thermal regulator that can be comfortably placed over parts of the body that does not interfere with movement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable thermal regulator that can easily switch between heating and cooling and may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the wearable thermal regulator.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the wearable thermal regulator take along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the wearable thermal regulator being worn by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the wearable thermal regulator. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for heating or cooling a body of a wearer. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the wearable thermal regulator. The thermal regulator 11 provides a device that when worn, cools or heats a user by transferring thermal energy to or away from the user with sufficient rates of heating and cooling. The thermal regulator 11 comprises a housing 12 including an interface 19 that is operably connected to a thermoelectric assembly 13. The housing 12 of the thermoelectric assembly 13 includes a first side 14 and an opposing second side 15, wherein heat is transferred therebetween. In the shown embodiment, the first and second sides 14, 15 extend the longitudinal distance between opposing ends of the housing 12. In alternative embodiments, the first and second side 14, 15 extend only partially along the housing 12.

The interface 19 is configured to receive inputs to control the thermoelectric assembly 13. In the shown embodiment, the interface 19 is disposed on the second side 15 and includes an actuatable switch that allows a user to selectively press and change between heating and cooling configurations. A bladder 16 disposed on the first side 14 is configured to contact a part of a body and transfer heat between the body and the first side 14. The bladder 16 increases the effective amount of surface area of the thermoelectric assembly 13 that remains in contact with a body when the device is worn by a user. In effect, the bladder 16 is in thermal communication with the second side 15 via the first side 14. Further, the bladder 16 allows contact to be maintained between the body and first side 14 even when the user is actively moving and bending.

In the shown embodiment, the housing 12 comprises an elongated tube having a generally rectangular longitudinal and lateral cross sections. However, in alternative embodiments, the housing 12 may have a polygonal, irregular, or other shaped cross section. In yet another embodiment, the housing 12 comprises flexible material, such as plastic, that is configured to conform to the shape of the body portion placed thereagainst.

A band 17 is affixed to the housing 12, wherein the band 17 is configured to wrap around a body part and secure thereto via a fastener 23. In the shown embodiment, the band 17 includes a first band and a second band that extend from opposing ends of the housing 12. The first and second band include mating hook and loop fasteners at the distal ends, such that the bands 17 can be wrapped around a body part, such as a neck, wrist, ankle, waist, and the like. In another embodiment, the band 17 extends from one end of the housing 12, and is configured to secure to the other end of housing 12 via the fastener 23.

The thermal regulator further includes a heat sink 18 operably connected to the thermoelectric assembly 13. The heat sink 18 is configured to remove heat from the thermoelectric assembly 13 and discharge the heat into a surrounding fluid medium. The heat sink 18 transfers thermal energy from a higher temperature to a lower temperature fluid medium. The fluid medium is frequently air, but may also include or be water and/or other liquids, such as refrigerants and/or oils. In the depicted embodiment, the heat sink 18 is a passive heat sink utilizing an air medium to dissipate the heat through convection.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross sectional view of the wearable thermal regulator taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. In the shown embodiment, the wearable thermal regulator 11 comprises a thermoelectric assembly 13 for providing heat and cold to a selected side 14, 15. In the shown embodiment, the thermoelectric assembly 13 is configured to provide a cold side to the first side 14 and a hot side to the second side 15 via a Peltier device. The first side 14 and the second side 15 are electrically connected via one or more semiconductors 20 disposed in an array therebetween. Electrical energy is supplied between a positive connector and a negative connector such that the electrical potential causes the first side 14 to decrease in temperature relative to the second side 15, and the second side 15 to increase in temperature relative to the first side 14. In one embodiment, the actuation of the interface switch causes the first side 14 and the second side 15 to reverse roles, causing the second side 15 to decrease in temperature relative to the first side 14, and the first side 14 to increase in temperature relative to the second side 15. In this way, the first side 14 positioned against the body can provide cooling or heating to a user.

In the shown embodiment, the bladder 16 comprises gel material configured to conduct heat thereacross. In one embodiment, the bladder 16 comprises silicon. In an alternative embodiment, the bladder 16 comprises saline. The bladder 16 comprises a semi-circular cross section and is configured to deform when pressed against surfaces, such as the body, and increase the amount of surface area contact therewith. In addition, the bladder 16 allows the thermal regulator 11 to be preconditioned with heating or cooling prior to donning, allowing for a more immediate heating or cooling effect.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the wearable thermal regulator being worn by a user. In one use, the thermal regulator 11 is secured to the body of a user via the band. In the shown embodiment, the thermal regulator 11 is positioned over a neck 25 of the user. For particular effect, the thermoelectric assembly 13 is positioned directly adjacent to the circulatory system, whereby thermal energy can more easily be transferred between the thermal regulator 11 and the entire body.

In the shown embodiment, the housing 12 comprises flexible plastic that deforms to rest flush against the surface of the body. In an alternative embodiment, the housing 12 includes one or more hinges that allow the housing 12 to fit around a portion of a user's neck. The thermal regulator 11 can be comfortably placed over parts of the body such that it does not interfere with ordinary movement.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A wearable thermal regulator, comprises: a housing comprising an interface, the interface configured to receive inputs to control a thermoelectric assembly; the housing including a first side and an opposing second side, wherein heat is transferred between the first side and the second side via the thermoelectric assembly; a bladder configured to contact a body part, the bladder configured to transfer heat therebetween; and wherein the bladder is in thermal communication with at least the first side or the second side. 2) The wearable thermal regulator of claim 1, further comprising: a band affixed to the housing, wherein the band is configured to wrap around a body part and secure thereto via a fastener. 3) The wearable thermal regulator of claim 1, further comprising: a heat sink operably connected to the thermoelectric assembly, wherein the heat sink is configured to remove heat therefrom and discharge the heat into a surrounding fluid medium. 4) The wearable thermal regulator of claim 1, wherein: the housing comprises a flexible material configured to flex and fit around the natural contours of a neck. 5) The wearable thermal regulator of claim 1, wherein: the bladder comprises saline. 6) The wearable thermal regulator of claim 1, wherein: the bladder comprises silicone. 7) The wearable thermal regulator of claim 1, wherein: the thermoelectric assembly is configured to provide a cold side to the first side and a hot side to the second side via a Peltier device. 8) The wearable thermal regulator of claim 5, wherein: the interface includes an actuatable switch, the actuatable switch is configured to reverse operation of the thermoelectric assembly between the first side and the second side. 